Premier Stephen McNeil announces $3M for Windsor Hockey Heritage Centre

The town that calls itself "the birthplace of hockey" received a major contribution to its campaign to build a hockey centre.

The Nova Scotia government announced Saturday it will fund up to $3 million for the construction of theWindsor Hockey Heritage Centre.

The centre will bring people to Windsor for the sport, said NHL hockeygreat Guy Lafleur, who was at the outdoor rink on Long Pond Saturday.

"It's going to encourage a lot of youth in pursuing their career,"Lafleursaid.

"What's important is that kids play hockey.Kids dream of playing in the NHL. That's the story of hockey."

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McNeil announced the funding at Windsor's Long Pond Heritage Classic game.

"The hockey heritage centre will re-affirm Nova Scotia's longstanding connection with hockey,"McNeilsaid in a news release issuedSaturday afternoon.

The project, pitched by the Long Pond Hockey Arena Society, already has financial commitments and in-kind support from the Town of Windsor, the Municipality of West Hants, King's EdgehillSchool, a private facility in Windsor.

The building will include an ice rink, sports fields, an indoor track and a museum, the release said.